Seasoned, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Iowa
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
Saving for college often starts when you want to balance current expenses with future education costs, especially if you have children or grandchildren nearing school age. A common mistake is not accounting for how different savings vehicles affect financial aid eligibility and tax benefits.
- Account type trade-offs. Ask how they compare 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and other options based on your family's financial situation and goals.
- Tax implications. Confirm they explain how contributions and withdrawals impact your state and federal taxes.
- Financial aid impact. Inquire how each savings strategy might influence your child's eligibility for need-based aid.
- Experience matters. Seasoned advisors here bring decades of insight into navigating changing rules and maximizing savings efficiency.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Ricky K
Series 63, Series 65
Johnston, IA
LPL Financial
Ricky Kiel's 28 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to help Iowa families navigate tax implications and financial aid considerations effectively. Operating through LPL Financial, a large firm, he offers flat-fee financial planning and serves a diverse client base, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower specialties or different fee structures in the region.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Stephen F
CFP®
Des Moines, IA
Forrest Financial Services
Stephen Forrest's 24 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide families in Iowa through college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, considering tax implications and financial aid effects. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure for advanced tax services, he serves high-net-worth clients from Des Moines, blending investment management with in-house tax planning for a comprehensive approach.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $1,540,000
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Matthew O
CFP®, Series 66
Urbandale, IA
Wilon Wealth Management
Matthew Onstot brings 21 years of experience and CFP® certification to college savings planning, including 529 and UTMA accounts, making him well-equipped to navigate tax implications and financial aid considerations in Iowa. His flat-fee structure and focus on diversified, passive, low-cost, and tax-efficient strategies at Wilon Wealth Management distinguish him from others by offering transparent pricing and a planning-driven approach tailored to individual goals.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $740,029
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John S
Series 63, Series 66
Fairfield, IA
Edward Jones
John Stever's 35 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to help Iowa families navigate education funding complexities. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large full-service firm, he offers tax-efficient strategies and a program fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him with extensive industry knowledge and access to broad resources compared to smaller local advisors.
Experience: 36 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Timothy W
Series 63, Series 65
Dubuque, IA
Weitzel Financial Services, Inc.
Timothy Weitzel's 43 years of experience and focus on college savings, including 529 plans and UTMA accounts, equip him to navigate the complexities of education funding in Iowa. His firm manages $274 million with a goal-based, actively managed investment approach, offering flat-fee and hourly financial planning options, which may appeal to clients seeking flexible fee structures and personalized strategies compared to other advisors.
Experience: 44 years
Avg account: $289,040
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